Fairy winter sunset with the Thousand-Cast Fish.

The behavior of the Hucho-Hucho is very particular, often unpredictable. Conversely from that of all the other salmonids that populate the same areas of the river. The Danube Salmon is a dominant and territorial fish that populates the rivers of the Danube catchment basin, in theory all the rivers that flow into it. Being at the highest peak in the food chain, it can reach enormous dimensions, on average between 90 and 120 centimeters.

Some specimens can reach up to 150 centimeters! During its long life, which can last more than fifteen years, as it grows in size, it also gains experience, and therefore becomes increasingly difficult to catch. Thus, to face the Danube Salmon with a fly rod, the angler requires a lot of dedication, experience, skill and perseverance in pursuing his goals. And, fir sure also an excellent guide who can lead him along the river.

Several factors make fishing for Danube Salmon one of the most complex freshwater fishing activities. Among them, first of all the climate, the fishing season for Hucho-Hucho takes place in winter. In Slovenia the season is short, it opens on November 15th and closes on February 14th. In this season it is possible to encounter very low temperatures, even snow and ice. But, with a bit of luck also beautiful and cold sunny days. And, with the first catch the satisfaction will compensate for the effort needed to achieve it.

For instance, equipment needed is completely different from that used for trout fishing, much more similar to that dedicated to big game fishing. Heavy equipment is needed, on average rods that carry lines of size #9 and 10. Some go as high as #12 line for double-handed rod. And large streamers, between twenty and twenty-five centimeters long. The equipment has a difficult life, just like fishermen, rods and reels often freeze, the fly lines must be of the type for cold water or they will easily degrade in the face of low temperatures.

The most effective times to fish for Danube Salmon are dawn and dusk. During the early hours of the day and the late afternoon the chances of catching are higher. Although, sometimes some nice and unexpected catches happen during the middle of the day, mostly if the sky is gray and the sun’s rays do not hit the water. We also consider favorable situations for fishing Hucho when the rivers start to rise in level, leading to higher and turbid water conditions. The possibilities of catching increase, but proportionally also the complexities for the fly angler. River banks can be more challenging if covered by higher water levels.

In addition to this, there can be various conditions that complicate a fisherman’s day, such as snow, cold, ice, and less light. Caution is never enough when facing the river in these conditions. That is why Slovenian law states that, as a basic rule, the Hucho fishing must always performed in pairs. For safety reasons, it is important to have a professional Hucho guide with you, even for the angler already equipped with many years of experience. A fine guide can spot active fish for you and knows the methods to land and release them without causing damage. Without an experienced guide you would not see so many photos of satisfied anglers displaying trophy fish.